Remote IQA Wildlife & Marine Biology - learndirect UK — Columbus
Traveler-Friendly Insight
This role is structured as a self-employed Contract for Services with a fully remote, flexible working model — making it one of the more location-independent education roles available. Assessments are conducted via an online training portal, and there are no fixed office hours mentioned, suggesting a largely async-friendly workflow.
However, there are some important caveats for digital nomads:
- Standardisation meetings are required, which may involve scheduled video calls aligned to UK business hours (GMT/BST). Timezone flexibility is therefore limited to ±3–4 hours from UK time for practical purposes.
- The role is UK-based and likely expects familiarity with UK awarding bodies and RQF qualifications — candidates must have verifiable UK-relevant credentials.
- As a self-employed contractor, you manage your own tax obligations, which can complicate matters across multiple jurisdictions for nomads outside the UK.
If based abroad, digital nomad visas in Portugal, Spain (Non-Lucrative Visa), or Georgia could work, provided income is sourced from this UK contract. Pay rates are undisclosed and discussed at interview, so it's worth clarifying whether the contract supports a sustainable nomadic lifestyle before committing. There are no travel perks, coworking allowances, or equipment stipends mentioned.
Through education, people can transform their lives and reach career goals. learndirect has been empowering individuals to reach the height of their potential for many years, with a forward-thinking digital approach.
As the UK's leading online learning provider, we have helped millions of learners gain qualifications that have led to exciting careers. Our work is to empower, inspire, and transform lives through flexible education made accessible to all.
From Access to Higher Education Diplomas and GCSEs to animal courses and accredited dental nursing qualifications, we offer education to individuals from all backgrounds and at any stage of their life and career.
Job Purpose:
To work within the online learning platform(s) and internally quality assure learner portfolios across wildlife, marine biology, and conservation specialisms in line with qualification specifications and awarding body requirements, to maximise opportunities for learners. To support the subject lead IQA and IQAs to achieve the required targets and contribute to the academic and operational effectiveness of the college. You will play a vital part in our learner journey and success.
Key Requirements:
- Degree in Zoology, Ecology and Conservation, Conservation Biology/Ecology, Wildlife Conservation, or Marine Biology (or related disciplines)
- Holds a Level 4 Award in Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practices, or its equivalent
- Holds an assessing/teaching qualification
- Has substantial experience of working in or assessing qualifications in the animal care subject sector area
- Is familiar with the assessment requirements of the qualification for which they are the Internal Quality Assurer
Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities:
- Internal quality assurance of learner e-portfolios
- Actively contribute to standardisation meetings as requested by Head of Faculty
- Uphold the organisation's Internal Quality Assurance processes, working with awarding bodies
- Provide support to individual assessors and relevant assessment team(s) in relation to course requirements, delivery methodology, and assessment
- Report on monthly IQA reports
- Maintain appropriate subject/expert knowledge (CPD) in the agreed subject areas
- Assist in tracking and reporting progress of learners as required
- Actively uphold all of the organisation's policies and procedures, including Safeguarding, Health and Safety, and GDPR
- Maintain robust and accurate IQA records and provide feedback to tutors and Head of Faculty
We operate a completely flexible remote working model. Working on a self-employed Contract for Services basis, the role involves tutoring students and assessing their work remotely via our online training portal.
Fees and payment rates will be discussed during interview.
You will be responsible for organising and managing your own workload whilst maintaining the highest level of standards. Each of our subject areas is faculty driven, and as an Associate member of the team you will have direct contact with a Head of Faculty to support you with caseload management, learner queries, and assessment processes.
What we are looking for in you:
- Subject specialist educated to degree level (see Key Requirements above)
- Holds or is working towards a Level 4 Award in Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment
- Has experience of internal quality assurance in a vocational setting
- Extensive subject knowledge
- Experience using a CRM would be preferred
- Experience of quality assurance processes and awareness of awarding body requirements
- RQF Qualification in teaching and assessing
- Substantial evidence of CPD
- IQA qualification or studying towards one would be an advantage
- Natural problem solver, able to reassure learners with queries
- Ability to work without close supervision
- Exceptional organisation skills
- Ability to give constructive feedback — verbally and in writing
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this role fully remote or office-based?
What is the employment type — employed or self-employed?
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Do I need a Level 4 IQA qualification to apply?
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